Objectives: Students will demonstrate their
understanding of mountain men myths and facts by creating a mini
book/card to be displayed on a bulletin board.

Materials: * 8 1/2 x 11 white paper for
each student

* crayons, markers, pencils, etc. for student
use

* mountain men facts and myths sheet (see bottom
of lesson plan)

Procedure:

1. Begin by asking the class what a myth is. The
dictionary definition is a person or a thing existing only in the
imagination. The children will not come up with this exact
definition, but guide them to something very similar.

2. Once you have defined a myth, ask the students
to think of myths they have heard before, such as the Lochness
Monster or the Bear Lake Monster.

3. After discussing the myths of today, tell the
students there are many myths about mountain men that are not
necessarily true. Some of these myths include mountain men not having
any wives, when, in fact, most of them were married to Native
American women, and the myth that most mountain men had beards, when,
in fact, most shaved their face.

4. When you are through talking about all the
myths vs. facts of mountain men (see bottom of lesson plan), pass out
the hand-out that has all the myths and facts listed on
it.

5. After passing out the hand-out and a plain
white sheet of paper to each student, give them the following
instructions: The first thing I need you to do is fold your paper
hamburger style (model all of your steps in front of the class). Now
fold it in half again hamburger style. You should now have a card or
book that looks like this (hold up your example). The card or book is
going to open from top to bottom (show them how this works). On the
front of your card, I want you to write Did You Know That ... At this
point, write Did You Know That... on the board for the students to
refer to. The front of the card should also be decorated with
mountains or any other scenery you feel would be appropriate. On the
inside of the card, write a fact you learned about mountain men. Feel
free to illustrate the inside of the card to go along with the
"little known fact." Remind the students these cards will be put on
the bulletin board in the hall for everybody to see, so their best
work is expected.

6. Dismiss the children to get started on their
card or booklet. They are allowed to use any markers or colored
pencils they want to . The students may even use their creativity and
use oil pastels or chalk.

Evaluation:

1. Look at each of the cards and determine if each
student paid attention (Is the information accurate and a fact or is
it a myth?) and put time and effort into the project.

Mountain
Men Myths and Facts

MYTHS

1. Mountain men fought Native Americans and bears
at every turn.

2. Mountain men traveled alone, on foot, through
terrible places.

3. They faced hunger, storms, thirst, and
accidents with great bravery.

4. Mountain men did not hunt to make
money.

5. They hunted because they loved danger,
independence, and a thrill of the wild lands.

6. Mountain men often died in battle with Native
Americans or wild animals.

7. Mountain men were always heroes.

FACTS

1. Most mountain men did not travel alone because
they had families that traveled with them.

2. 84% of the mountain men were
married.

3. Most mountain men had an average of four kids
which often traveled with them.

4. 64% of the mountain men that were married had
married Native American women.

5. Most mountain men hunted for fifteen years,
then became ranchers or farmers.

6. The men didn't travel alone on foot, but by
horses, mules, and canoes.

7. Most mountain men died of old age at the age of
sixty-four. They lived longer then most Americans at the
time.

8. Mountain men did not hunt and trap only for
enjoyment, but mostly for the money.